Thank you Maria!

We were given a pouch of soup for Christmas this year.

It came from https://www.theseedguelph.ca/

Check out the web site. They're helping their community in a number of ways to get healthy food. Access to healthy food is a basic human right. That is their mantra. This not for profit model could be developed in any community, have a look see and maybe you will be moved to action wherever you call home.

Step 1: The Perfect Day for Soup

The weather guy told us we were in for some rain. WRONG!

This may put a damper on the new years eve festivities, but its the perfect opportunity to make some soup.

Step 2: Oil to Begin With

In a stock pot add two or three tbsp grape seed oil

Step 3: Shallots and Garlic

Chop the shallots to your desired size. Being a garlic farmer, not much gets cooked in our kitchen without a generous addition of the lovely bulb.

Step 4: Saute

Saute the garlic and onions while you peel and chop a carrot. I peeled away the skin then kept right on peeling. Then I chopped the strips into soup size pieces.

Step 5: Add the Carrots

Now dump in the carrots and cover.

Step 6: Add in the Stock

Being avid Instant Pot users we always have a number of bone broths available in the freezer. Just toss them into the pot and cover. It will take 20 minutes or so for them to melt down. As the liquid covers the onion, garlic and carrots they will soften.

Step 7: Add the Soup Mix

After the stock has melted and the pot is simmering add the soup mix.

Step 8: The Mix

This is the ingredient label for the mix, in case you are curious.

Step 9: Tomatoes From the Garden

Fresh tomatoes from the garden would be nice. These were just that, a few months ago. Cherry tomatoes are such prolific plants. We eat handfuls daily and still have tons left over. They freeze wonderfully. These are from the week we had to much rain. They were cracking from the excess moisture. No problem, just pick and freeze for later.

Step 10: Remove Skins

I don't like tomato skins. Not a problem. A quick rinse and wipe under lukewarm water and were good to go.

Instructables community member Troy AKA tomatoskins is an exception to my tomato skin aversion. He has some great Instructables.

Step 11: Saute Until Tender

The barley in the mix takes it's time softening. Just keep it simmering and check every five minutes or so. Just remember "A boiled soup is a spoiled soup" so keep the heat down and be patient.